Origin of acidifying depositions in the Netherlands, 2001
| SOx | NOy | NHx | Potential acid | |
| % | ||||
| Total | 23 | 22 | 55 | 100 |
| Netherlands | 6 | 9 | 41 | 56 |
| North Sea | 4 | 2 | 6 | |
| International | 13 | 11 | 14 | 38 |
| Source: RIVM. | RIVM/EDC/Oct02 | |||
Development
Sources within the Netherlands still contribute most to the deposition of potential acid in the Netherlands, namely 56% of the total. The main contribution - 90% of NHX deposition - comes from agricultural sources in the Netherlands. This means that, according to calculations made on the basis of long-term meteorological data, 37% of total potential acid deposition in the Netherlands can be ascribed to this source. The calculations are based on provisional emission figures for 2001.
Policy
The acidification abatement policy also requires an international approach since there is a major transboundary component in acidification. International agreements have therefore been made about emission reductions.
Technical note
The calculations were made using the OPS (Operational Priority Substances) atmospheric transport and deposition model. For the first time, sources on the North Sea were also taken into consideration.
References
- RIVM (2002). Luchtkwaliteit. Jaaroverzicht 2001. RIVM, Bilthoven.
- See the websites of the European Union and of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution for more information about international agreements on emission reductions:
Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium
- Acidification and transboundary air pollution: causes and impact
- Acidification:Acidification and transboundary air pollution: policy
- Acidifying substances: emissions 1990-2002
- Acidifying substances: emission reductions for the Netherlands and neighbouring countries, 1990-1999
- Acid deposition in the Netherlands, 1980-2001
- Acid deposition in the Netherlands, 2001 (page is not available yet)
- Overview 'environmental themes and impact on nature', with a reference to Environmental stress and plants in some ecosystems in the Netherlands as compared to 1950.
